Chapter 31 Dance With Malik

Chapter 31 Dance With Malik
Malik took my hand, gently wiped my tears away, and ensured I was alright before he walked up to the party's host.

At first, I thought he wanted to make a big deal out of this, and I was ready to stop him, but then he only talked to her. The next thing I knew, the song was changed into a slow song, and Malik walked back to me.

He held my hand and walked me to the dance floor. 

"What are you doing?" I asked confused 

He forced a smile on his face as he said "Dance with me."

He puts his hand around my waist and I put mine around his shoulder. We started dancing, first it was slow, gentle, and then he pulled me closer to him, holding me as if I belonged to him. Maybe I did.

"You’re my Luna, don’t ever let anyone make you feel small, do you understand that?" He asked as he twirled me around 

When I faced him, I replied "It wasn’t my fault, they were…" I started to explain but he quickly cut me off 

"It doesn’t matter. Just don’t let that happen again. You should be strong." He said 

All I did was nod. 

As we danced, I couldn’t help but notice everyone’s eyes on us. Normally, I would have felt awkward, maybe even uncomfortable but with Malik it feels alright.

"Why did you come?" I asked 

He looked at me, hesitated for a second, and then replied "Aren’t you glad that I’m here?"

"I am." I smiled. I twirl around with him. The classic music sets the perfect tone as we dance in sync, feeling the rhythm in our steps.

As we kept moving, I couldn’t help but notice Malik’s eyes on Jessica and Emma, his expression hardened making it vividly clear that he’s upset with them. Maybe he saw them laughing at me but why is he taking it to heart when it’s about me and not him?

Why does he care so much?

~ MALIK’S POV

I have every right to care too much. Jessica and Emma have been on my nerves all week and their being the most hypocritical people just made it worse.

I knew something would be wrong. It’s unlike for them to want to invite anyone to their personal parties not to talk about Eli. The way they kept insisting on Eli joining them and wanting to spend time together. My mind clearly told me something was up but I just didn’t know what exactly. 

I couldn’t concentrate back at work so I had to leave all the work to come here and make sure nothing was wrong and I came just right in time to see their selfish actions.

They are going to pay for this. I won’t let this slide. It’s one thing to mess with me but it’s another thing to mess with Eli and think it’s okay. It’s never okay. Eli is my wife and there is nowhere I’ll tolerate anyone who tries to mess with her. 

I know it sounds like I care about her but trust me, I don’t. I just believe that I should be the only one allowed to make her cry. No one else should. 

After the dance, Eli and I left the tea party, I didn’t want her there alone for another second.

In the car, as usual, Eli couldn’t keep her mouth shut and let me enjoy the silence. 

"Thank you for coming. And thank you for dancing with me, it was really nice." She said 

I didn’t bother responding. I was just focused on the road. Then she added, "You know, maybe you’re right, maybe getting to know your family members isn’t a very good idea."

I scoffed. Finally, she’s coming back to her senses "I told you. Stay away from them. You can’t trust any of them especially Joseph," I indicated 

She didn’t reply immediately, it was almost as if she was thinking about what I said. Finally, she spoke "I don’t know about Joseph but I get it now. Thank you."

"When Joseph shows you who he really is, you’ll understand why I’m saying this," I said. I don’t consider him as my family, talk less of being my father. Joseph is the worst person I know and I’m afraid that if Eli doesn’t listen to me about him, she will regret it. 

It’s not gonna be easy like Jessica and Emma’s little mean-girls behavior, it’s gonna be bad because Joseph is a devil. A solid devil. 

When we got home, I asked Eli to go freshen up while I waited in the living room for Jessica and Emma. I know they will be here anytime soon and when they come, I won’t spare them.

Moments later, I heard their car pulling up at the packing lot. I waited for a while and then there they were walking into the house smiling as if nothing had happened.

When their eyes met mine, Jesica said "Malik my son, how are…"

I didn’t let her finish as I snapped "What gave you the right to come back here?"

She frowned "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean." I gushed "First you invite Eli to a so-called dance, you make her dress up like a doll just to humiliate her and then you push her down and start laughing at her?" I questioned 

"So what?" She shrugged "I thought it was funny."

"No, it’s not fucking funny!" I yelled "How the hell will you think that’s funny? You fucking humiliated her in front of everyone. You lied to her that it’s a ball dance when it’s not."

"Why are you making it such a big deal, so what I said that. It’s not a big deal."

"It’s a fucking big deal, Mom!" I yelled, "You were supposed to be the one taking care of everything, you were supposed to be the one who loves her, I mean for god sakes, you are the reason I never wanted you here anyway."

She looked hurt for a split second and then she asked, her voice softened "Why do you care so much?"

"Because she’s my wife. She’s my world. And you do not dare disrespect her and come back acting like it’s nothing." I yelled. I didn’t realize when the exact words came out of my mouth but I’m glad it is because Jessica needs to understand that she’s not to mess with Eli, "If you ever do that again, I promise I will forget you’re my mother." I turned around and started to walk away only to see Eli standing on the stairs. 

I hope she didn’t hear a thing.